Image source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9d/Augentrost.jpg
Common names Eye bright
Plant family Scrophulariaceae
Parts used Aerial parts
Qualities Dry, cool (Holmes, 2007).
Constituents Iridoid glycosides including aucubin (Hechtman, 2011). Tannins (Hoffman, 2003).
Actions Astringent (Hoffman, 2003), anti-cattarhal, mucous membrane tonic, anti-inflammatory (Bone, 2003).
Indications
Grieve advises it is effective for hay fever and head colds, given as an infusion every two hours (Grieve, 1971).
Euphrasia drops have been found to be an effective and safe treatment for conjunctival complaints
(Stoss, Michels, Peter, Beutke & Gorter, 2000).
Indicated for the support of mucosal surfaces in the body, especially in the upper respiratory tract (Wardle & Sarris, 2010).
British Herbal Pharmacopoeia specific for conjunctivitis (Willoughby & Mills, 1996).
Cautions/Contraindications
High level of tannins can interfere with the absorption of minerals (Hoffman, 2003), so take separate from meals.
Dosage
Per British Herbal Pharmacopoeia (Willoughby & Mills, 1996), thrice daily dosage:
Dry herb- 3-4g, infused.
1:1 liquid extract in 25% alcohol- 2-4 ml.
1:5 in 45% alcohol- 2-6 ml.
As a poultice for colds/coughs/sore throat/nasal congestion/catarrh (Lust, 2001).
Combinations
Per Grieve, combine with golden seal (Hydrastis canadensis) as a lotion for the eyes.
Culpepper advises that a combination of E. officinalis, fennel, rose, white celandine, vervain and rue with goats liver (!) for clear sight (Culpeper, 1985).
References
Bone, K. (2003). A clinical guide to blending liquid herbs. Edinburgh [u.a.]: Churchill Livingstone.
Culpeper, N. (1985). Culpeper's complete herbal. Omega.
Grieve, M. (1971). A modern herbal. New York: Dover Publications.
Hechtman, L. (2011). Clinical naturopathic medicine. Sydney, Australia: Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier Australia.
Hoffmann, D. (2003). Medical herbalism. Rochester, Vt.: Healing Arts Press.
Holmes, P. (2007). The energetics of Western herbs. Cotati, Calif.: Snow Lotus Press.
Lust, J. (2001). The herb book. New York: Benefical Books.
Stoss, M., Michels, C., Peter, E., Beutke, R., & Gorter, R. (2000). Prospective Cohort Trial of Euphrasia Single-Dose Eye Drops in Conjunctivitis. The Journal Of Alternative And Complementary Medicine, 6(6), 499-508.
Wardle, J., & Sarris, J. (2010). Clinical naturopathy. Chatswood, N.S.W.: Elsevier Australia.
Willoughby, M., & Mills, S. (1996). British herbal pharmacopoeia, 1996. [Exeter, England?]: British Herbal Medicine Association.